Summary.
The bill seeks to regulate the sale and distribution of plastic containers for food use in domestic and commercial settings so that they are free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and pose no risk to human health or the environment. It defines BPA as an industrial chemical used to make plastics and resins that has been associated with health risks. It would prohibit the sale, distribution, importation and manufacture of plastic food containers containing BPA throughout the national territory.
The Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud), in coordination with the Panamanian Food Agency (Agencia Panameña de Alimentos), would establish technical and regulatory safety standards for BPA-free plastic products intended for human consumption. The bill calls for those standards to reflect international best practices and to be consistent with the World Health Organization (Organización Mundial de la Salud) and other relevant organizations. Plastic food containers offered for sale in Panama would have to bear a clear, visible label stating that they are BPA-free. The label would also identify the materials used to make the container, its capacity and recommendations for its proper use. Labels would have to be in Spanish, with legible characters that consumers can readily understand.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industries (Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias) and the Panamanian Food Agency would conduct periodic market inspections of imported and domestic products to verify compliance. Violations would be sanctioned under the bill and related laws. The listed sanctions include fines for companies, importers and manufacturers that market plastic products containing BPA; removal from the market, seizure and destruction of noncompliant products; and suspension of import and manufacturing permits for those who repeatedly breach the bill’s requirements.
The bill would exempt plastic containers intended for industrial or specific uses that do not involve direct contact with food, while requiring them to comply with safety regulations established by the Panamanian Food Agency. It would also direct the State to promote alternatives to plastics containing BPA through cooperation with the private sector and universities. The Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education (Ministerio de Educación) and the Panamanian Food Agency, together with civil society groups and consumer organizations, would promote awareness campaigns on the risks of BPA and the benefits of using BPA-free plastic containers. The bill sets its entry into force at 180 days after promulgation in the Official Gazette.
The public bodies connected with the bill are the Ministry of Health, the Panamanian Food Agency, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries and the Ministry of Education. Its subject matter could interest or affect manufacturers, importers, distributors and sellers of plastic containers, consumers, universities and civil society organizations in Panama.
What it proposes.
- Plastic containers for food use.
- Bisphenol A in plastic products.
- Labeling, inspections and penalties.
Who it would affect.
- Manufacturers, importers, distributors and sellers of plastic food containers.
- Companies marketing plastic products containing BPA.
- Containers for industrial or specific uses without direct food contact, with respect to the specified safety regulations.
Key points.
- The bill regulates plastic containers for food use in domestic and commercial settings and defines Bisphenol A as a substance used in plastics and resins.Arts. 1-2
- It prohibits the sale, distribution, importation and manufacture of plastic food containers containing BPA.Art. 3
- The Ministry of Health and the Panamanian Food Agency would set safety standards for BPA-free plastic products.Art. 4
- Food containers offered for sale in Panama would carry Spanish-language labels stating that they are BPA-free and giving information on materials, capacity and proper use.Art. 5
- The Ministry of Commerce and Industries and the Panamanian Food Agency would periodically inspect domestic and imported products.Art. 6
- Violations would be subject to fines, product removal, seizure and destruction, or permit suspension for repeated breaches.Art. 7
- Industrial or specific-use containers without direct food contact would be exempt, subject to the stated safety regulations; the State would promote alternatives to BPA-containing plastics.Arts. 8-9
- The named authorities and organizations would promote awareness campaigns; entry into force is set at 180 days after promulgation in the Official Gazette.Arts. 10-11